Nearly 4000 commuters have been stung with parking fines at Tarneit and Williams Landing train stations in the past three years, as station parking demand continues to escalate.
Wyndham council last week revealed that 2921 commuters had been fined for parking along the Leakes Road entry to Tarneit station since July 1, 2015, with a further 985 fines slapped on commuters parking in the streets adjacent to Williams Landing station in the same period.
The council does not have jurisdiction to issue parking fines within train station carparks, which are managed by Public Transport Victoria.
The figures were released following questions by Tarneit resident Arnav Sati, who called on the council to improve parking conditions at train station carparks.
Acting city economy director Peter McKinnon said the council had written to Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan seeking a meeting to discuss the lack of parking and bus services at Tarneit train station.
“Council acknowledges that the existing [carpark at] Tarneit rail station – in fact, all of our rail stations across the municipality – do not meet commuter or community needs,” Mr McKinnon said.
“We’ve made budget and advocacy submissions to the state government requesting funding for additional carparking. So far these multiple requests have not progressed.”
Mr Sati said he was surprised at the high number of parking fines issued.
“Due to a lack of bus connectivity and limited parking spaces, what options do residents have?” he asked. “Where are we supposed to park our cars?
“Wyndham council clearly said that multiple requests have not progressed with state government for additional carparks and bus services for Tarneit. Is that what Tarneit gets being a safe Labor seat?”
